Young People Take Centre Stage on Climate Action

Mysuru,18 August 2024: Children and young people must be at the centre of climate action taken by governments and stakeholders; their voices and opinions on building climate resilience and driving meaningful action and leadership in climate policy and practice must be considered. Building capacity of institutions to plan, contextualize and implement climate solutions with grassroots youth leaders and communities will support India’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Nationally Determined Contributions.

This was one of the key points in the National Youth and Children’s Statement developed and launched by children and young people from across India at the conclusion of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) held on August 15-18, 2024, in Mysuru, concluded today.  Present at the event were Ms. Rita Khanna, Scientist G, Life Cell, Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (online presence) and Dr. Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.

LCOY are annual youth-led conferences under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) organized by young people across the world that encourage localized climate conversations, promote youth leadership in climate action, and amplify grassroots climate action worldwide. The National Youth and Children’s Statement developed by India LCOY, was a consultative process over two months involved 1000 young people and 500 children. It was finalized with inputs from nearly 250 young participants over the last four days in Mysuru, focusing on national and global asks.

Speaking at the closing session, Ms. Rita Khanna, said, “Citizens of India, especially young people, are social transformers and we recognize this under Mission LiFE in partnership with UNICEF YuWaah. With their energy, innovation, and passion, they have the power to transform societies and redefine the relationship between humans and nature. They are leading this in communities through green entrepreneurship, championing sustainable startups, and developing technological innovations that are economically viable and environmentally responsible. I am hopeful that the ideas and perspectives shared by young climate leaders here at LCOY would inspire millions of citizens across the nation.”

Addressing the young participants, Dr. Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, said, "The climate crisis is a child rights crisis as children and young people bear the brunt despite being least responsible for it. The National Youth and Children’s Statement presented today to the Government of India brings attention to the impact and actions to build climate resilience, while bringing in the experience and voice of grassroots climate champions. UNICEF supports the empowerment of youth and children to be climate conscious citizens and builds their capacity to take climate action, while amplifying their voice and efforts.”

UNICEF India National Ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana, through a short video played at the event, encouraged young people to explore what actions they can take to mitigate the impact of climate change. “Your ideas and voices are powerful and can inspire many others,” he said.

Kartik Verma, 18-year-old UNICEF India Youth Advocate, speaking on children's participation at LCOY India said, "Climate change disproportionately impacts children's body, mind, and lives." He emphasized, "It’s their right to be involved in the decision-making process at every level—local, national, and global. For the first time, children from across India are joining forces with youth at LCOY, and their voices will be a part of the National Youth Statement."

Hemavathi S. Shekhar from LCOY 2024 India organizing team, said, “The LCOY platform brought together many partners, allowing the exchange of ideas, experiences and strengthened capacity around key issues of climate change of nearly 250 young people and children from diverse backgrounds and regions, including persons with disabilities, migrants, farmers. The discussions were enriching as many spoke of their concerns about climate change and environmental degradation and their interest in developing solutions that benefit them, their families, and their communities.

The four-day conference featured thematic capacity building and activity-based learning sessions, covering topics such as energy, waste management, oceans, rivers, green skills, mobility, and water conservation.

The conference in India this year was organized by four UNFCCC YOUNGO (Official Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) accredited youth-led organizations: Bring Back Green Foundation, Enact Earth Foundation, Sattvic Soul Foundation, and Seepad Foundation, with support from UNICEF- YuWaah, and several other knowledge partners.

For more information, please contact:

On behalf of LCOY India Team:  Akhilesh Anil Kumar; 9074034962; Email: [email protected],